Tennis: Returning Djokovic still managing elbow injury

Jan 13 (Reuters) - Former world number one Novak Djokovic admits his elbow is not yet 100 percent as the Serb prepares to return from six months out at the Australian Open.

Tennis - Australian Open - Kids Tennis Day - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, January 13, 2018. Novak Djokovic of Serbia signs autographs during Kids Tennis Day before the Australian Open tennis tournament. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

The six-times champion, who last played competitively at Wimbledon in July, says he is still managing the injury, which has caused him to abbreviate his service action.

“It hasn’t been 100 percent yet healed,” Djokovic told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday. “But right now it’s at the level where I can compete, and every day is getting better.”

Djokovic said he had been convinced by doctors that he would not be doing the injury any more damage by playing in Melbourne.

“I’m hoping that it can be 100 percent at the start of the tournament. I don’t know how it’s going to behave. Even if it’s 100 percent healed, after six months of no competition, you never know how you’re going to react,” the 30-year-old added.

Tennis - Australian Open - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, January 13, 2018. Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Roger Federer of Switzerland catch balls hit by Milos Raonic of Canada during Kids Tennis Day before the Australian Open tennis tournament. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

“So let’s see. There’s not much more I can do. I’ve done really everything in my power, with a team of people around me, to enable me to be right here in front of you guys, and to compete in Australian Open.”

Djokovic said the injury had been bothering him for about 18 months before the pain, which he felt on his serve, became too much.

The Serb confirmed the injury had not needed surgery but would not answer a question as to whether he required a pain-killing injection to play.

Tennis - Australian Open - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, January 13, 2018. Novak Djokovic of Serbia catches balls hit by Milos Raonic of Canada during Kids Tennis Day before the Australian Open tennis tournament. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Djokovic tested out his elbow, and his new serve, in an exhibition match earlier this week, beating Austria’s Dominic Thiem, in straight sets.

“I’m happy with the new service motion,” he said. “I don’t want to say ‘new serve’, but new service motion.

“I feel like I spend less energy but I’m more efficient. I’m really looking forward to trying out my new serve here.”

Seeded 14th having dropped down the rankings during his injury hiatus, Djokovic said he was confident he could still compete.

“I still know what I’m capable of and I believe in my own abilities to win against the best players in the world,” he said.

“I know that if I get myself to desired level of performance — mental and physical — that I can actually have a good chance to go far in the tournament.”